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Exordium

Luis Alberto Vittor's Shī'ite Islām: Orthodoxy or Heterodoxy addresses many essential issues concerning the split between the followers of Ahlul Bayt and the followers of ahl al-sunnah. Transcending the historical, the author focuses on ahistorical aspects in the genesis of adherence, stressing the esoteric foundation of Shī'ī Islām, as opposed to the exoteric foundation of Sunnī Islām which forces it followers to find spirituality in various Sūfī orders.

Vittor's book challenges the prevailing view among Western academics, namely, the contention that Shī'ite Islām is “heterodox” while Sunnī Islām is “orthodox.” He contends that there is nothing non-orthodox or un-orthodox in Shī'ite Islām, since the very principles that give life and identity to Shī'ite Muslims are deeply rooted in the Sunnah of the Prophet and the Twelve Imāms.

According to Vittor, definitions such as “orthodox” and “heterodox” are misnomers when applied to Islām: they are Western impositions on an Islāmic construct which are entirely false. As the author explains, if one respects the meaning of the word “orthodox,” which implies adherence to a specific set of beliefs and instructions, Shī'ite Muslims are as orthodox as Sunnī Muslims. The book challenges the common misconceptions of Western academics, their bias towards Islām, and their tendency to interpret Shī'ite Islām through Sunnī lenses.

Unlike polemical publications dealing with the Sunnī-Shī'ī debate, the work does not belittle or put down the followers of ahl al-sunnah. The author explores Shī'ite Islām from within and examines the religious tradition on its own terms. As a result, he has produced a work of great critical importance, revealing the spiritual depth of Shī'ism to which many Shī'ites are oblivious.

As one reads the work, one develops a greater understanding of the inner meaning of essential elements of Shī'ite faith and religious practice. The work is sure to have great resonance during the month of Muharram, a time whenShī'ism is more or less viewed through Sunnī lenses. When Shī'ites commemorate the martyrdom of Imām Husayn, they are often assaulted with questions and criticism.

Unless the spiritual foundations of Shī'ism are fully understood, Shī'ite efforts are expended to rebuttal at best or attack of ahl al-sunnah at worst. Both a defensive and an aggressive approach to inter-Islāmic understanding are futile and reinforce the status quo. The solution to any Sunnī confusion regarding 'Āshūrā' will not be resolved in the realm of the political, but in the sphere of the spiritual. As Vittor's work reveals, the sweetness of Shī'ite Islām is to be found in the inner meanings of the outer rituals.

The chapter on Mukhtār al-Thaqāfī is particularly revealing. Although I.K.A. Howard has provided a good historical rendition of Mukhtār in al-Serat, Vittor captures the sense of spirituality emanating from his uprising. In the words of Howard Zinns, there is a certain moral and spiritual outrage which is nurtured through the sort of awareness that develops over time, a sense of indignation that is missing at least today. As one reads Vittor's work, one senses the deep suffering and empathy that Shī'ites feel for the suffering of Ahlul Bayt.

Although not a survey of the Shī'ite faith, Vittor's work covers the spiritual foundation of the Imāmate to a sufficient degree. His work also touches upon the treatment of the Shī'ite minority in the face of oppression, and the role of silent and quietist revolution as a means of protest, an approach which stands in stark contrast to the violent modes of expression and opposition seen in the Muslim world today.

Rather than radicalize, Vittor's work helps to sensitize Shī'ites, an achievement of incalculable importance in the aftermath of the Iraqi quagmire. These are times of reconciliation, not revenge. These are times of unity and not division. Despite the dark moments that Shī'ites have suffered, and continue to suffer, the tide of time is changing in the right direction, and many people are realizing the spiritual force of Shī'ite Islām, made obvious through its supplications, prayers, and salutations, as well as its Qur'ānic commentaries and scholarly works, all of which are all grounded in spirituality.

Luis Alberto Vittor's Shī'ite Islām: Orthodoxy or Heterodoxy is a very concise book, and the greater portion of the work consists of highly informational scholarly notes making it an easy read for the novice or even the beginner. Due to its academic value and accessibility, its intellectual integrity, and its call for Islāmic unity, we tremendously recommend this book, and hope it will be largely disseminated for the purpose of dawa'h and tablīgh.